The Waikiki Edition

Welcome to your Hip Urban Hawaiian Hideaway

Jason

Vibe:

Arriving at the Waikiki Edition is like pulling into a 70s style beach home. Staff dawned with white button down shirts and crisp white shorts. I can only compare it to a well coordinated orchestra, where as soon as I stepped foot out of the car it was like the maestro starting the orchestra with zeal. Next thing I know, a guy whisked my bag from me and I was ushered into lobby where I was met with lemonade with cilantro and a chilled towel.

If you are looking for the undiscovered cool and hip Hawaii, you will definitely find it at The Waikiki Edition as the crowd is made up of various breeds of the well-to-do. Without a doubt, it is the place in Waikiki to see and be seen.

Rooms & Food:

Upon walking into the room, the first thing that came to mind was “wow, this is something straight out the IKEA catalogue” . Take a look at the pictures and you be the judge. You won’t be greeted with a lei or see tons of palm trees with Hawaiian music in the background. Instead of that, you will see nice subtle touches of Hawaii throughout the hotel (e.g. surfboards in the lobby, ukuleles and starfish displayed in the room)

The food…phenomenal. I am not sure who put together the dining program at the Edition, but I’d like to shake his or her hand. The lobby bar is the best place to hang out in the evening, there you will find famous Bostonian Sam Treadway mixing concoctions. The Edition transported Sam from Boston to Hawaii to provide a little extra flare in each glass that is served up.

If you are willing to splurge a little bit on dining, you will find Morimoto on site at the Edition. If you are saying “Morimoto” what? Let me explain who this person is. So, Chef Morimoto is one of the Iron Chefs on the crazy popular show Iron Chef. If you really want to get a tasting of all Chef Morimoto has to offer I’d suggest doing the tasting menu which changes frequently. I will say that I am not a big fan of fancy Asian cuisine, but the dessert that the chefs prepared at the end of the tasting menu was like so good, it was like having an taste bud orgasm. I am originally from the South so sweet potatoes are a southern treat. Chef Morimoto created a sweet potato dessert that was too amazing for words.

Although breakfast and lunch are served at Moimoto, if you are looking for cheaper dining options at the hotel unfortunately you won’t find them outside of room service and at the bar.

The Spa at The Waikiki Edition:

With only 4 treatment rooms, the spa at the Edition is extremely small, and the biggest draw back to the spa is its location. It is located just above busy Ala Moana Blvd, so it was less than calming while getting my treatment. The funny thing is that I asked my massage therapist if people had ever complained about the noise, and she said that she has only heard of one complain. I found that very hard to believe. With that being said, my suggestion is to skip the Spa and save your money for a great meal at Morimoto!

The Bottom Line:

I felt that this was my personal beach getaway. As you drive down Ala Moana Boulevard you will notice that hotel’s exterior is very modest and almost inconspicuous. Pulling in you might find yourself saying “WTF”, but all of the best parts are just a step outside of your car.

However, the Edition isn’t the cheapest option on Waikiki beach. In my opinion, the price point was a bit high as rates at this hotel start around $350 per night. The experience was definitely for the cautiously lavish, but you will pay a premium anywhere you go to experience the designs of Ian Schrager. If you are looking for a different twist to your Hawaiian vacation from the bedroom to the bar, The Waikiki Edition is the spot.

Note to the General Manager:

I think you have something special here. As I mentioned before, The Spa is in a very noisy section of the hotel. You may not be able to change it. I was also looking for more of a Spa experience rather just getting a massage. Also, I was so impressed and entertained by Sam’s skills, I think it would be great if the hotel could provide mixology lessons given by Sam and others. Think about it! If you would like to discuss these ideas and more or feel free to give me a shout!

Check It Out:

http://www.editionhotels.com/hotels/waikiki/

So, I need some more beach recommendations. Where is your beach getaway?